SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 21, 2020) An MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 21, 2020) An MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU ), carrying Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st MEU, prepares to land aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) after conducting a combat mission rehearsal. The 31st MEU regularly conducts full mission profile rehearsals in order to maintain mission critical skills. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Brittenham)